Amidst high hopes for a booming tourism sector in Thailand, concerns linger over the preparedness of secondary cities to handle a potential influx of visitors. Despite Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s optimistic proclamation of 2024 as a landmark year for Thai tourism, doubts have been raised by the private sector regarding the readiness of these cities for such a significant boost.
These apprehensions surfaced prominently during a recent tourism workshop convened at the esteemed Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. Prime Minister Thavisin, aged 62, outlined ambitious plans to elevate tourism as one of Thailand’s primary economic pillars, emphasizing its potential for driving growth and prosperity.
Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, President of the Thai Hotels Association, echoed industry concerns regarding the readiness of secondary cities to accommodate a surge in tourist numbers. She pinpointed deficiencies in essential infrastructure, services, and attractions as key impediments. Additionally, the lack of robust connectivity between major urban centers and second-tier provinces was identified as a critical issue that could potentially hamper the dispersal of tourists to emerging destinations while exacerbating congestion in metropolitan areas.
In addressing these concerns, Marisa emphasized the imperative of sustainable tourism education within local communities. Such initiatives, she argued, could not only attract younger, sustainability-conscious travelers but also facilitate effective management of the anticipated tourist influx.
Chatri Sityodtong, Founder and CEO of One Championship, highlighted the untapped potential of sports tourism in Thailand. Despite the global sports industry’s staggering value, Chatri underscored the inadequacies in sports promotion within the country, citing underfunding and a lack of suitable venues for large-scale events.
The government’s ambitious tourism revenue target of 3.5 trillion baht for the year marks a significant increase from previous figures, indicative of its recognition of the sector’s pivotal role in the economy. Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol underscored the industry’s substantial contribution to the GDP, citing a record 18.6% in 2017.
Efforts to address these concerns were outlined, as reported by Bangkok Post, with the Tourism and Sports Ministry pledging to evaluate the outcomes of the workshop and incorporate them into policy frameworks. However, the efficacy of these measures in addressing the private sector’s apprehensions remains to be seen, raising questions about the future trajectory of Thailand’s tourism landscape.
